What To Do With Your New President Part 1
Pastor Freddie Steel
November 5, 2008
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Dear Life Church Family,

America has a new President. Now that the elections are over, I what to reiterate what I have spoken to you from the pulpit on my occasions.

Scripture tells us what we are to do as believers and citizens. These commands are not
Suggestions, but imperatives. Regardless the political party you hold to or how you voted,
the following imperatives will work to help heal America's soul (if that is possible in our lifetime), and give the Christians a credible witness among the multitudes who are not Christ-followers.

The pungent venom that has been spewed from every kind of media outlet, taints and infects America’s soul with a virus that is contagious and cankerous. Though that has been the case, I have concern that the following days could see workplace, school, or marketplace episodes where the seeds of discord sown over the last many months will result in a harvest of more pain, division, and ill-will. More closely though, I can see what that virus can do in churches and amongst believers that will further hamper and hinder the Church from being streamlined and poised to make the most of this unprecedented global harvest season we stand in the midst of.

There are some variables to the following regarding the Believer’s responsibility, however I did not include those points in this initial paper.

1. Pray For Your New President -

1st Timothy 2: 1- 8 NLT - Instructions on Worship
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.”

2 Timothy 2: 23-26 NLT -
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.”

2. Caution: Speaking Ill Of Dignitaries –

Jesus recognized the faith of the Roman Centurion when the Centurion paid homage to the structures of government and authority that he submitted to and that Jesus honored and operated under given to Him from the Father. The following verses from the Book of Judges illustrate how seriously God’s Kingdom takes delegated authority.

If you feel that Christians should show no regard for people in authority because they aren’t Christians or Godly, try this. The next time you are pulled over by a policeman, ask him / her if they are believers. If they say that they are not Godly or Christian, imagine what would happen if you would tell them then that you don’t have to listen to or submit to them: only imagine.

Whichever candidate you voted for, whether your candidate won or not, Father God is The Sovereign and is in control of all of the matters of men and creation.

3. Respecting Authority – A Biblical Pattern

Romans 3: 1-3 NLT -
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. All authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 . . . Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.”

Please keep in mind that though Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus were ungodly leaders of kingdoms, God refers to them as ‘His anointed’ because they were fulfilling plans that Father God was ultimately in control of.

4. Angels, Roles, And Authority –

Michael, the Archangel, disputed with the devil. He obviously recognized who the devil was, but also knew about authority, etc. and instead of speaking freely or aggressively about principalities and powers, Michael chose to say to the devil, much like an Ambassador would, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ Here’s the account.

Jude 1: 8, 9 -
“In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)
10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.”

5. Summary –

The challenges that are facing our nation and our new President and his cabinet are such as never been seen before. We can add to debates, strife, and confusion, or we can do what is suggested above. This is not a passive posture by any means, however the Kingdom of God is never furthered or advanced by pure human ingenuity and strategizing. The Kingdom of God does not ‘make sense’ most of the time. Therefore, there is no human alive with adequate answers for all of our ills (except for Christ).

In the days ahead, as we pray for our new leaders and nation, we must also focus on increasing our intercession for Israel. The forces of the world and within our nation are quite spent on tolerating the ‘thorn-in-the-side-Israel.’ Israel is not our thorn in the side, Israel is a source of prophetic importance and promised blessings and our Covenant partner. However, from my most recent, intensified studies, the political, economic, and global forces that are quite visible and prominent in my sight are those who hold very little devotion to Israel and are much less tolerant and sympathetic for Her struggles. Therefore, pray for our President and new leaders that they will never compromise concerning Israel’s land, safety, and Sovereignty.

I will share more a little later. If you are interested in my updates, you can reply to this e-mail stating the same.

I would pray that all believers put aside their likes and dislikes and obey God as you have so aptly written. It is so much better to just obey what God said and leave the results to HIM. We are told to pray for those in authority over us so we can live a peaceable life. I am amazed at how much prejudice there is even among "christians"...God created all of us. We need to stop allowing the devil to influence our thought life and actions. Forgive me, I am just rattling on...but I am greived when I hear 'believers' speak negatively about our leaders.
GOD BLESS YOU